There has been quite a bit of dbate as to the addiction problem some people have with gambling, but when you consider that only about one percent of gamblers have a gambling problem, you realize that in actuality very few people are addicted. But to hear those in the know talk about it, they want to make you think that its a wide spread terrible problem. And that is just not so.

Did you know that some gambling addictions are actually caused by medications the person may be taking? Or by other underlying causes? An emotionally and mentally healthy person is not likely to become addicted to gambling. Or for that matter to any thing else.Plus, gambling addiction is treatable and curable.

So lets take a look at the other side of the gambling coin. The side that those in the know refuse to look at and that is the healthy side of gambling.

Take bingo for instance. Seniors that play bingo are not as apt to fall victim to degenerative brain diseases such as alzheimers. And the seniors that play land based bingo are much more mobile than their non playing counterparts.

Gamblers tend to be friendlier and more outgoing than their non playing counterparts. Plus, they also tend to be more giving too ie: charities etc.

Those that are against gambling tout the ruination of the family, loss of the family home or family car etc. Well, shopping can come to the same ends. Overeating can cause family issues because of the health of the person doing it and their possible demise. So do we ban shopping or food?

Gambling is a great recreation and one that should always be approached with care. Leave what you cant afford to lose at home and also leave your credit card there too.

So for a great time, plus the socialization it brings, and the healthy side of it, gambling can be just plain fun and healthy for you.

Thank you bartongrl1, for your article on gambling can be healthy for us. And it is true if you are a gambler.

I notice my wife use to be an avid gambler and she's one of the most giving people I know; going out of her way and giving up her last dollar to help out her children (I guess a lot of mom's would do that as well).

But overall, I think gamblers are nice people (coming from personal experience) as compared to the nay-sayers (who always seem like they are in a bad mood or have a chip on their shoulders about something).

__________________Live and Let Live, but most importantly: Have Fun doing it!

Good point about the seniors and alzheimer's. My dad had a stroke and he still enjoys playing bingo not as much as he did before but he still does. We know its good for him as it helps his brain make connections.